A sensory-packed tour from the sandy shores of the Aegean Sea, via Mount Kissavos, to the slopes of Greece’s most mythical mountain and home of the Gods. Experience the essence of Greek life off the beaten track.

HIGHLIGHTS

8 Days / 7 Nights

8 Days / 7 Nights

A sensory-packed tour from the sandy shores of the Aegean Sea, via Mount Kissavos, to the slopes of Greece’s most mythical mountain and home of the Gods. Experience the essence of Greek life off the beaten track.

Discover the protected wetlands and bird reserves of the Pinios Delta and help in conservation work.

Plunge into the luxuriant Tembi Valley and its vineyards.

Visit the birthplace of the cooperative movement.

The path of the gods, along the Pinios River:

The picturesque Tembi Valley and the impressive Pinios River provide your route of discovery from the Aegean Sea to the heights of the mythical Mount Olympus. Along the way, you’ll discover the little-known and remarkably untouched Kissavos massif, a small corner of paradise where you’ll meet local people and share in their daily lives. You’ll gather fruits and vegetables, tend the land, prepare traditional dishes and get up close to nature, all under the eyes of the Olympian Gods.

PROGRAM

DAY 1

Welcome to Kissavos

Arrival at Thessaloniki Airport, transfer to Messagala and check-in to the Villa Yianna apartments.

Dinner and presentation of holiday programme at a reception with a welcoming local wine or tsipouro.

Night at the 3 epi-rated “Villa Yianna”.

DAY 2

Vines, wine and volunteering

Morning: Hike along the Tembi Valley and chance to help with trail improvements (signage), followed by visit to a local winery and museum at Rapsani.

Picnic lunch at the Dougos Winery in Itea.

Afternoon: Visit to a traditional “dristela” * Return to Messagala

Dinner and night at “Villa Yianna”.

*old wooden structure that harnesses the power of water to clean clothes naturally, without detergents (used by locals from the mid-19th century until recently).

DAY 3

Hiking in the Pinios delta and helping out

Morning: Easy hike along the Pinios Delta trail and help with trail improvements. Chance to swim or bird watch, followed by harvesting sunflowers, grapes, kiwi fruits or aromatic and medicinal herbs, according to season.

You’ll also learn how to spot edible marine plants and what you can do with them.

Lunch: Culinary picnic lunch on the beach at Strintzo, at the delta mouth.

Afternoon: free time to relax or explore before returning to Messagala.

Dinner at “Kali Kardia” tavern in Aigani.

Night at “Villa Yianna”.

DAY 4

Where the river meets the sea, by canoe

Morning: Canoeing along the Pinios River to explore its creeks and inlets.Learn to catch local blue crabs and afternoon cookery workshop to prepare a traditional Greek dish with your catch.

Afternoon: free time to explore or relax.

Dinner with a Greek feast and folklore-themed evening of traditional music and dance at the Hotel Vlasis Return to Messagala and night at “Villa Yianna”.

DAY 5

Time for yourself, time to relax.

Option to visit the city of Larissa

Minibus and trip to visit the city’s ancient theatre, museums and monuments and best local restaurants serving traditional dishes.

Transfer to Ambelakia and check-in to the Hotel KOURIA.

Dinner and night at the 3-star Hotel KOURIA

DAY 6

Path of the Gods

Early start for Mount Olympus via the southern gateway town of Elassona.